[He feels his breath catch as she presses her lips to his fingertips, soft and warm and inviting, and the words that he's been so careful to keep from uttering in full in his effort to meet her at her pace come tumbling out, almost without his permission.]

I'm in love with you.

[If not tonight of all nights, then when? There would never be a better time.

He exhales, bringing a hand to rest gently against her wrist as she guides the other. It's been no secret, he knows; he has made every effort to show what he chose not to say as often as he could.]

I know we've both had our reasons for doubt, but this... I have never been more certain of anything, Amelia.